Camel was in Santa Cruz to attend a drug-abuse recovery facility, Clark said. Camel exited a bus at the Metro Center and started following the victim about 1:30 p.m., according to police. He made suggestive comments to the victim while following him for several blocks, Clark said. He eventually made contact with the victim, grabbed the boy's hand and placed it on his genitals , Clark said.

The victim ran away and called 911, Clark said.

Prosecutor Michael Gilman said it's unlikely there are other victims in this case.

The molestation charge carries several special allegations because Camel has several prior felony convictions, according to a criminal complaint.

Camel has an extensive criminal history in Monterey County dating to 1989 and includes convictions of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence and robbery. Gilman said there were no sex crime convictions. Still, Santa Cruz County Superior Judge Paul Burdick raised the bail amount from $50,000 to $450,000 in light of the special allegations.

If convicted, Camel faces 25 years to life in prison, Gilman said.

Camel is slated to appear in court Sept. 16 for a preliminary examination to determine if there's enough evidence to support the charges.